Ortho Molecular DHEA 25mg Endocrine Health Each capsule provides 25 mg of DHEA derived from the wild yam, allowing for incremental oral supplementation and flexibility with numerous hormone-balancing and stress-fighting protocols. Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a steroid hormone precursor that helps maintain healthy hormone levels and helps support the stress response system. DHEA functions as the counterpart to the stress hormone cortisol. Maintaining healthy DHEA levels is crucial for balancing the catabolic effects of cortisol. DHEA and its sulfate, DHEAS, are the most abundant steroid hormones in the human body and can be found in blood, saliva, urine, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF). DHEA serves as a “buffer” reservoir to be used for the intracellular synthesis of various estrogens and androgens throughout the human body. DHEA production peaks during the second decade of life. Beginning in the early 30s, DHEA levels typically decline by 10% per decade. In addition to the normal decline associated with aging, other possible causes of a decline in DHEA production include inflammation, blood sugar imbalances, and long-term stress. Key Benefits and Features: Promotes Healthy Hormonal Balance Supports Mood Regulation Balances the Stress Response System by Improving Cortisol-to-DHEA Ratios Maintains Healthy Aging and Normal Inflammatory Balance Supports Bone Health Ingredients Serving Size: 1 Capsule Amount/Serving DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) 25 mg Other Ingredients: None. Does Not Contain: Gluten, corn, yeast, artificial colors, or flavors. Suggested Use Take 1 capsule per day or as recommended by your healthcare professional. Warning: Do not consume this product if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult your physician for further information. Keep out of the reach of children. Storage: Keep tightly closed in a cool, dry place. More Info. Mood Regulation Elevated cortisol levels can play a major role in normal mood regulation. DHEA counterbalances high levels of cortisol and also brightens mental outlook. DHEA can easily cross the blood-brain barrier, which is crucial for supporting brain function. Supplementation with DHEA has been shown to support mood regulation by increasing levels of β-endorphins, quieting glutamate (N-methyl-D-aspartate) receptors, and protecting against the effects of glucocorticoids in the brain. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled trial involving 145 subjects, administration of DHEA for eight weeks was found to have a positive effect in supporting mood regulation in 56% (43 of 77) of subjects who received DHEA versus 31% (21 of 68) of subjects in the placebo group. Bone Health DHEA has been examined in numerous studies for its role in supporting bone health. In a double-blind, placebo-controlled study using 50 mg/day, DHEA supplementation improved bone turnover and decreased osteoclast activity in women older than 70 years. An additional randomized, placebo-controlled trial of 225 healthy women (ages 55 to 85 years) showed that oral dosing of 50 mg/day of DHEA for one year showed positive effects on markers of bone health. Possible theories regarding DHEA’s ability to support bone health include DHEA functioning as a precursor for the formation of estradiol and androgens, which promote healthy bone formation by increasing levels of insulin-like growth factor. Inflammatory Balance DHEA has been shown to maintain normal inflammatory balance by inhibiting the activation of nuclear factor-kβ and the secretion of inflammatory compounds, such as IL-6 and IL-2. Maintaining normal inflammatory balance has been shown to be crucial in patients with gastrointestinal challenges. In a study involving 20 patients with GI challenges given 200 mg/day of DHEA for 56 days, 12 of 20 patients demonstrated a significant improvement in well-being, specifically related to inflammatory pathways that affect GI health. Aging Research has indicated that DHEA naturally supports healthy aging. In a study of 75 healthy subjects, aged 90 to 106 years, a correlation between DHEA levels and well-being was examined. It was found that in elderly men, those with the highest DHEA levels had the highest level of functioning.10 An additional study examined 280 healthy individuals aged 60 to 79 years. This study found that oral doses of 50 mg of DHEA per day supported bone health and libido. DHEA supplementation also improved skin health in the areas of hydration, epidermal thickness, and pigmentation, particularly in female participants over 70 years of age. Hormonal Balance DHEA is a precursor to estrogen and testosterone. In addition, DHEA may also have physiological actions unrelated to its function as a hormone precursor, as DHEA receptors are also present in human muscle cells. Clinical studies using oral doses of DHEA have demonstrated its ability to maintain hormonal balance. In a study that included 20 women (ages 50-65 years) receiving 25 mg/day for 12 months, DHEA promoted hormonal balance as soon as three months after beginning DHEA administration. As indicated by serum concentrations, DHEA helped support healthy levels of testosterone, progesterone, estrone, and estradiol.
